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Light adaptation: night vision goggle effect on cockpit instrument reading time.
C M Howard1, J T Riegler, J J Martin
1Warfighter Training Research Division, United States Air Force Research Laboratory, Mesa, AZ, USA. Celeste.Howard@williams.af.mil
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|June 9, 2001
Summary
Pilots using night vision devices (NVDs) may experience delayed responses if cockpit instruments are too dim. Setting instrument luminance below 0.03 footlamberts (fL) poses a significant risk during night flight operations.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Safety
- Human Factors in Flight Operations
- Visual Perception
Background:
- Night vision devices (NVDs) present intensified images, potentially affecting pilots' visual adaptation.
- Low cockpit instrument luminance can impair pilot performance after NVD use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of reduced cockpit instrument luminance on pilot response times after NVD exposure.
- To determine safe luminance levels for cockpit instruments during night flight simulations.
Main Methods:
- Simulated night flying conditions were used.
- Participants adapted to NVD images at 3 or 10 footlamberts (fL).
- Horizon positioning tasks were performed on an attitude director indicator (ADI) with luminance 2 to 3.5 log units lower than NVDs.
Main Results:
- Response times increased slightly with a 2 log unit luminance decrease.
- Larger luminance decreases (over 2 log units) caused significant delays, up to 5.5s for younger and 8-15s for older pilots.
- Older pilots showed longer response delays compared to younger pilots.
Conclusions:
- A luminance decrease exceeding 2 log units, while uncommon, presents a notable operational risk.
- Pilots must be aware that setting cockpit instrument luminance below 0.03 fL can be hazardous.
- Maintaining adequate instrument luminance is critical for safe night flight operations.